Durkheim states that social facts are "the beliefs, tendencies, and practices of the group taken collectively … A social fact is any way of acting … [that is] capable of exerting over the individual an external constraint" (The Rules of Sociological Method [1895/1982]: 54, 59) Identify at least five specific social facts evident in society Explain why each fact selected should be considered a social fact Discuss/elaborate on how what might appear as "contradictory" social facts (e.g., marriage, and divorce) function as constraining forces in society.

Question

Durkheim states that social facts are "the beliefs, tendencies, and practices of the group taken collectively … A social fact is any way of acting … [that is] capable of exerting over the individual an external constraint" (The Rules of Sociological Method [1895/1982]: 54, 59)	Identify at least five specific social facts evident in society	Explain why each fact selected should be considered a social fact	Discuss/elaborate on how what might appear as "contradictory" social facts (e.g., marriage, and divorce) function as constraining forces in society.

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The Answer is 1. Language: Language is a social fact because it is a shared system of communication that exerts an external constraint on individuals. It shapes the way people think, communicate, and interact with one another.

2. Marriage: Marriage is a social fact because it is a culturally and legally recognized institution that imposes certain expectations and obligations on individuals. It constrains individuals to adhere to societal norms and expectations regarding relationships and family structures.

3. Education: Education is a social fact because it is a system of formal learning that imposes external constraints on individuals by shaping their knowledge, skills, and socialization processes. It dictates the way individuals are prepared for their roles in society.

4. Religion: Religion is a social fact because it is a set of beliefs, rituals, and practices that exert external constraints on individuals by shaping their moral values, behaviors, and social interactions. It influences the way individuals perceive the world and their place in it.

5. Fashion: Fashion is a social fact because it is a collective trend or style that exerts external constraints on individuals by influencing their choices of clothing, appearance, and self-expression. It dictates the way individuals conform to or deviate from societal standards of beauty and style.

Marriage and divorce may appear as contradictory social facts because they represent opposing relationship statuses. However, both function as constraining forces in society. Marriage constrains individuals to commit to a legally and socially recognized partnership, imposing expectations of fidelity, support, and shared responsibilities. On the other hand, divorce constrains individuals to navigate legal and social processes that dictate the dissolution of a marriage, including division of assets, custody arrangements, and social stigma. Both marriage and divorce exert external constraints on individuals by shaping their choices, behaviors, and social interactions within the context of intimate relationships. Despite their apparent contradiction, they both serve as social facts that influence and constrain individual behavior within the institution of marriage.

Durkheim States That Social Facts Are "The Beliefs, Tendencies, and Practices